I like this clinic [Loma Linda] because they're not commercial and don't shy away from tough cases. I get the overwhelming feeling that their goal is both to achieve live births and support the emotional well-being of the patients instead of being concerned about their numbers...They had my appointment down for the wrong date once. Other than that, the financial people seem disorganized. I've had to follow up many times, get charges fixed, and act as the go-between between the insurance company and them when they couldn't seem to understand what the insurance company was requesting.

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Age

38

Treated

2016

Success with this Doc

?

Race

European, Native American

Income

$50K - $99K

Occupation

—

Order & Number of Docs Seen

1 Doc Seen

Treatment

1 IVF, Donor Sperm

Diagnosis

Tubal Blockage

8

Describe your experience with Loma Linda University.

I like this clinic because they're not commercial and don't shy away from tough cases. I get the overwhelming feeling that their goal is both to achieve live births and support the emotional well-being of the patients instead of being concerned about their numbers. They have a good reputation and have a lab on premises. They are a little bare bones; I sometimes wish that they made the experience less clinical (the staff is warm, but it's clearly a doctor's office). The magic of baby-making is already severely crippled by the need to do IVF and they don't put much back in. I sometimes envy the people going to clinics that offer acupuncture or other frills, even music during the transfers would be nice.

During treatment, did you feel like you were treated like a number or a human?

Dr. Bareh takes the time to ask how I am doing and if I have any questions.

Describe your experience with the nursing staff.

Some of the nurses are very compassionate and informative while others are very matter-of-fact and only give you information when they think you need it.

What specific things went wrong at this clinic?

Lost paperwork

Lost appointments

How was your experience with Gihan Bareh?

Dr. Bareh is compassionate and seems competent and very concerned with achieving a positive outcome for her patients. However, she's not a great communicator. Many times, I left the office to research things on my own after she did not explain something to my understanding

What one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Gihan Bareh?

Be prepared to ask about the next step(s) over and over again and press for clear answers. I think that Dr. Bareh doesn't understand what is old hat to her is mostly new to her patients.

Describe the protocols Gihan Bareh used in your cycles and their degree of success.

Dr. Bareh likes to begin cycles with aspirin and birth control pills. I used Gonal-F and Menopur as stims and then Centrotide for my trigger/antagonist. I took estradiol pills and progesterone in oil for both my fresh and FET cycles. The fresh cycle included estrogen pessaries, whereas, I vaginally inserted an estradiol pill for the FET. I took and antibiotic and Prednisone surrounding the transfer dates and a diazepam prior to the transfers.

Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments.

The length of time at the monitoring appointments varied on the day. Patients were to come in between 7:30-9 a.m. The blood draw was always fast, but the wait for an ultrasound depended on who arrived first and what other appointments (non-monitoring) were scheduled for that day.

Describe the costs associated with your care under Gihan Bareh.

IVF & FET cycles do not include monitoring or medications.
A FET cycle following a cancelled fresh transfer would include monitoring.
It cost more than I was expecting (blood draw, monitoring, and medications add up), but nothing is cheap in SoCal.

8

Doctor

Gihan Bareh

Communication

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Frequency seen during appointments

8

Clinic

Loma Linda University

Loma Linda

Nursing

Operations

Scheduling

Billing

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

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10

Age

30 - 31

Treated

2013 - 2014

Success with this Doc

Yes

Treatment

5 Fertility Medications

Diagnosis

Other

10

I have to say that I very much disliked the front desk staff [at Loma Linda Fertility] . The check-in/waiting room was very small, so you could hear everyone's information when they were checking in. I did not feel a strong connection with any of the nurses. I rarely spoke to them, unless they were taking vitals prior to my visit

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Age

30 - 31

Treated

2013 - 2014

Success with this Doc

Yes

Race

Prefer not to answer

Income

—

Occupation

Doctor

Order & Number of Docs Seen

1 Doc Seen

Treatment

5 Fertility Medications

Diagnosis

Other

10

Describe your experience with Loma Linda University.

I have to say that I very much disliked the front desk staff. The check-in/waiting room was very small, so you could hear everyone's information when they were checking in. It did not help that the front desk staff was quite loud. Furthermore, at each visit I had to explain why the visit would be covered by my insurance as I was still in the process of work-up. This was a pain!

During treatment, did you feel like you were treated like a number or a human?

Dr. Jacobson was incredibly professional and very, very kind. I lived in a different region than my husband during treatment, had a very stressful job, and was having a difficult time coming to terms with my diagnosis and need for fertility treatment. Dr. Jacobson addressed these concerns and asked me how I was feeling whenever we met. He made me feel incredibly comfortable and it was obvious that he truly cared about his patients.

Describe your experience with the nursing staff.

I did not feel a strong connection with any of the nurses. I rarely spoke to them, unless they were taking vitals prior to my visit (this was generally done by MAs) or relaying my progesterone results.

How was your experience with John Jacobson?

Dr. Jacobson was level-headed, incredibly calm, and very reassuring. He was patient, answered all of my questions, and made me feel at ease. I appreciated that he did not push or encourage more aggressive interventions (as one of his colleagues did on the day that I saw him), as he truly believed that my husband and I would be able to conceive using oral ovulation induction + timed intercourse (I did not believe this to be true). Of course, he was right, and I am so thankful that he encouraged me to stay the course. I felt well taken care of.

What one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of John Jacobson?

Ask your questions, voice your doubts, trust his answers.

Describe the protocols John Jacobson used in your cycles and their degree of success.

Standard Clomid protocol, switched to Femara due to thinner lining on Clomid, then standard protocol of Femara x 4 with 21 day progesterone. He modified the day/time frame that my husband and I should plan for intercourse based on my progesterone results each month. This worked!

Describe the costs associated with your care under John Jacobson.

Each clinic visit was approx $200-400 (depending on ultrasound)

10

Doctor

John Jacobson

Communication

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Frequency seen during appointments

10

Clinic

Loma Linda University

Loma Linda

Nursing

Operations

Scheduling

Billing

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

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8

Age

33 - 34

Treated

2015 - 2016

Success with this Doc

No

Treatment

3 IUI, 1 IVF

Diagnosis

Unexplained

8

Everything is in one place. Dr appts, lab, surgery/ transfer center. Pharmacy( not specialty) And always know the same nurses, lab techs etc. it’s really a comfortable experience when you’re losing your mind on meds and stress of success Weaknesses: not the most beautiful clinic [Loma Linda U] but I think that keeps costs down. Anything you need, just ask they will provide it to save costs if they can. Lots of injection supplies and a couple free samples saved me about $150 which means the world when you’re spending thousands

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Age

33 - 34

Treated

2015 - 2016

Success with this Doc

No

Race

Other

Income

$50K - $99K

Occupation

Operations

Order & Number of Docs Seen

1 Doc Seen

Treatment

3 IUI, 1 IVF

Diagnosis

Unexplained

8

Describe your experience with Loma Linda University.

Everything is in one place. Dr appts, lab, surgery/ transfer center. Pharmacy( not specialty) And always know the same nurses, lab techs etc. it’s really a comfortable experience when you’re losing your mind on meds and stress of success Weaknesses: not the most beautiful clinic but I think that keeps costs down. Anything you need, just ask they will provide it to save costs if they can. Lots of injection supplies and a couple free samples saved me about $150 which means the world when you’re spending thousands

During treatment, did you feel like you were treated like a number or a human?

She is a wonderful dr, always positive and knows the details of my case

Describe your experience with the nursing staff.

There are 4 nurses and they all know me by name and my case status at all times. They are always helpful with my many calls and questions and never seem irritated by them. I love them! Only negative is communication btwn pharmacy’s can be difficult

What specific things went wrong at this clinic?

Lost paperwork

How was your experience with Gihan Bareh?

I respect her and like her. I do feel I had to ask a lot of questions and do my own research for the ivf process. Also had unexpected cost and results but I think my dr did the right corse of treatment. I feel she sincerely wants me to get pregnant and not just a money figure

What one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Gihan Bareh?

Don’t expect them to walk you through everything. Know or ask any small/big question you have.

Describe the protocols Gihan Bareh used in your cycles and their degree of success.

300 follistium am, 75m menopur pm, atoms for 14 days, ultrasounds every other day to check folicules size. She advised growth hormone as well but we couldn’t afford the extra costs. Should have done it as now we need to do another cycle. 30 folicules, 21 had eggs, 17 mature, 10 fertilized, 4 made it to blastocyst. 1Fresh transfer, chemical pregnancy. 3 frozen, 2 are ‘fair quality’ 1 is good quality

Describe the costs associated with your care under Gihan Bareh.

My ins covers ivf dr fees and sx, 1 transfer for $2500 deductible. All meds were additional and only some where partially covered with ins.

9

Doctor

Gihan Bareh

Communication

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Frequency seen during appointments

8

Clinic

Loma Linda University

Loma Linda

Nursing

Operations

Scheduling

Billing

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

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10

Age

—

Treated

—

Success with this Doc

No

Treatment

2 IUI

Diagnosis

Male Factor

10

I've had multiple nurses in the clinic [Loma Linda U] and all have been very helpful and understanding. One showed my husband in details how to administer the trigger shot and another held my hand as I went through the IUI procedure. They have been very supportive.... I appreciated their promptness in returning my call and assisting me with getting what I need especially with insurance authorization. In walking in, I've always been treated in a kind manner.

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Age

—

Treated

—

Success with this Doc

No

Race

Other

Income

$50K - $99K

Occupation

Nurse or HC Services

Order & Number of Docs Seen

3rd of 3 Docs

Treatment

2 IUI

Diagnosis

Male Factor

10

Describe your experience with Loma Linda University.

I appreciated their promptness in returning my call and assisting me with getting what I need especially with insurance authorization. In walking in, I've always been treated in a kind manner. Their clerk would also make sure that I have everything I need before going in to the clinic knowing that we are 4 hours away.
In addition, they have excellent communication skills and provide detailed information.

During treatment, did you feel like you were treated like a number or a human?

She sat down, took the time to answer my questions and she talked to me in a very compassionate way.

Describe your experience with the nursing staff.

I've had multiple nurses in the clinic and all have been very helpful and understanding. One showed my husband in details how to administer the trigger shot and another held my hand as I went through the IUI procedure. They have been very supportive.

How was your experience with Gihan Bareh?

She was very personable. I love 4 hours away from the clinic and she'd take the time to call me and kept me updated. In addition, during IUI procedure, she truly gave it her all to make sure the sample was placed in the right site. My husband and I truly felt grateful for everything she's done for us.

What one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Gihan Bareh?

If you are looking for a prospective infertility doctor and want someone who is passionate about her work and helping others, Dr.Bareh is the perfect doctor.

Describe the protocols Gihan Bareh used in your cycles and their degree of success.

We used femara for our IUI cycle using our own egg and sperm. She also used an ultrasound to view we are in the right site before inseminating specimen. The other clinic I went to previously didn't have such practice.

[Loma Linda U] The waiting room, patient rooms, and bathrooms were always kept clean. Sometimes we would have to wait....they all seem like nice ladies. There is one lady that can come off rude sometimes...They had a financial manager they let go so the new one was going back into people's files and charging them for really old charges that weren't collected. We always paid everything in full and then every appointment it seemed like they were asking for money for something new. Frustrating.

+ Read more

Age

—

Treated

—

Success with this Doc

No

Race

Other

Income

$50K - $99K

Occupation

—

Order & Number of Docs Seen

1st of 2 Docs

Treatment

3 IUI, 1 IVF, 1 Egg Freezing

Diagnosis

Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Endometriosis, Male Factor

6

Describe your experience with Loma Linda University.

The waiting room, patient rooms, and bathrooms were always kept clean. Sometimes we would have to wait. I never had a problem with the receptionist although I know some have said she is rude or pushy. Not my experience with her. Weakness I guess would be getting into the patient room and waiting a while. And that they were tried to collect a payment from me from back in may.. 10 months ago. They had a financial manager they let go so the new one was going back into people's files and charging them for really old charges that weren't collected. We always paid everything in full and then every appointment it seemed like they were asking for money for something new. Frustrating.

During treatment, did you feel like you were treated like a number or a human?

The staff there is friendly and helpful. Never felt like a number.

Describe your experience with the nursing staff.

They all seem like nice ladies. There is one lady that can come off rude sometimes. I didn't enjoy being around her because I never knew how she would be towards me that day.

What specific things went wrong at this clinic?

Failed to call in prescriptions to pharmacy

Lost paperwork

Provided conflicting information

How was your experience with Gihan Bareh?

I loved dr. Bareh but sometimes I felt like she knew more then she let on to us. She was out of the office a lot. I felt like if I had questions after hours then I basically had to wait till they were open. She pushed back my frozen transfer 5 different times because I had a cyst that never got bigger each time. Always remained the same size. Even though we didn't have our embryo tested I felt like she could tell if the ones she were putting in were good or bad. And even if they were bad she never talked to us about it beforehand. Our embryos were never graded so we are not sure if they are good or bad. She was professional and would see us in a timely manner.

What one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Gihan Bareh?

I'm not really sure what is going on.. but we've only been with Dr.Bareh for a year and she been out 2 months. And they ended up during our treatments. If you plan to do ivf at this clinic be prepared that you could be dealing with the nurses more then the doctor.

Describe the protocols Gihan Bareh used in your cycles and their degree of success.

Fresh transfer : not sure of the dosage of each meds because I did them of may 2017. Used: gonal-f, menipur, omintrope, ganerlix, pregnyl, doxycycline, endometrin, and progesterone oil. Egg retreival: 8 eggs all mature, all icsi, 4 fertilized normal, transferred 2, lost 1 by day 5 and froze the last 1. The transferred 2 resulted in a negative.
Frozen transfer: BCP 3 months prior and then bled then started lupron for 1 month. Transfer pushed back 5 times. Then day of transfer embryo thawed perfectly. Transfer went smoothly. 5dp5dt faint positive which eventually became a stronger positive. Beta #1: 167 Beta #2: 431 Beta #3: 1081 Beta #4: 270
I am currently waiting to miscarry. Devasted. 4 1/2 years and still no baby.

Describe the costs associated with your care under Gihan Bareh.

I think we paid $16000 total. That's including egg retrevial, fresh transfer, icsi, and we did a frozen transfer. Medication was separate cost